PRE-HARVEST EFFECTS ON NATURALLY OCCURRED ISOTHIOCYANATES (ITCS) OF CRUCIFEROUS SPROUTS

An anticarcinogenic property of crucifers has been elucidating. Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates. When raw crucifers are grated, chewed or chopped, glucosinolates come into contact with endogenous myrosinase (thioglucoside glucohydrolase EC 3:2:3:1), and isothiocyanates (ITCs), nitriles, etc are released as the breakdown products of glucosinolates. ITCs are responsible for the protection from carcinogen. 4-Methylsulfinylbutyl ITC (L-sulforaphane) of broccoli sprouts is famous for strongly inducing phase 2 detoxication enzymes. 4-Methylthio-3-butenyl ITC (MTB-ITC) of Japanese radish sprouts called kaiware-daikon in Japan has also an anticarcinogenic property. Therefore, preharvest effects on naturally occurred both ITCs content were researched.[...]